The Prophetess of Thebes

The Prophetess of Thebes 1908

4.30

Partially lost film. One of the kings of ancient Thebes enters the abode of an astrologer and demands that he be told his future. The former utterly refuses to forecast the coming events of his sovereign, even under the pain of death; but he brings forth a priestess who possesses the powers of divination. This priestess is introduced in a wonderful way: a throne is brought forward, and then a box from which the pieces of a statue are removed and piled up in regular order; the statue suddenly becomes animated. The king implores the latter to foretell his life. She commands him to look through a telescope toward the side of the room. A vision appears. (Moving Picture World)

1908

Long Distance Wireless Photography

Long Distance Wireless Photography 1908

5.20

Into a photography studio full of large fantastic machines steps an elderly couple. The bearded proprietor explains the equipment and gives them a demonstration: he starts machines whirring, and projects a painting of three women onto a large screen; suddenly the women begin to move. The customers are impressed. First the women sits in the special seat: she's projected onto the screen, and her good nature comes out in the laughing image. Then it's the man's turn, but the machine discloses a vastly different nature in him. Will his reaction threaten our proprietor's inventions?

1908

L'acteur en retard

L'acteur en retard 1908

4.30

An actor tries to get to a show on time. Many mishaps along the way.

1908

Battle at Honnôji Temple

Battle at Honnôji Temple 1908

1

In 1908, Director/Producer Shozo Makino (father of Japanese cinema) directed and produced the first dramatic film in Kyoto. “Honnô-ji Gassen” was shot at Shinnyo-Do Temple. Considered a lost film.

1908

The Miser

The Miser 1908

4.80

This Georges Melies film is only available in a five-minute fragment. The film starts off with a title card setting up the events. An elderly miser keep all of his money to himself and refuses to help people no matter what they might need. We see him turn away a few people and then portions of the film are missing and we pick up later in the story as the old man is scared of something (apparently someone stole his money).

1908

Professional Jealousy

Professional Jealousy 1908

1

Two young ladies, members of a dramatic stock company, are rivals for stellar honors. One seems to have had things her own way for a time, having been cast always for the leading roles, which opportunities made her the "public's pet." However, she does not wear the mantle of fame becomingly, for her success has made her petulant, peevish and selfish. On the other hand, her rival works studiously, and by her subtle art has won some attention, until during a performance of "Darkest Russia" she completely eclipses the histrionic luster of the hitherto favorite.

1908

Cupid’s Pranks

Cupid’s Pranks 1908

3.60

After receiving a scolding for falling asleep on the job, Cupid is sent out in search of potential lovers to unite. While flying over a city, he finds a ballroom dance and identifies a likely couple. He is successful in getting them to meet, but many obstacles still stand in the way of Cupid achieving his goal for them.

1908

Buncoed Stage Johnnie

Buncoed Stage Johnnie 1908

3.20

This Georges Melies film is one of several to appear in only a fragment form. The film opens up with a title card explaining what happens in the missing parts of the movie. Basically a man wants to give some flowers to a stage star but a prankster instead gives them to an obese cleaning woman.

1908

For Love of Gold

For Love of Gold 1908

3.00

It is often said there is honor among thieves, but not so, as we shall see in this story. Two denizens of the underworld are seen in their squalid furnished room planning a robbery. Their intended victim is known to hold at all times in his safe at home a large sum of money and a wealth of jewels. Gathering together the tools of their nefarious calling, they start off, arriving at the house shortly after the master had retired for the night.

1908

Elastic Transformation

Elastic Transformation 1908

5.00

A woman enters a room with a man. She creates a duplicate of him and changes his personality by throwing his clothes from one man to the next.

1908

Troubles of a Grass Widower

Troubles of a Grass Widower 1908

5.20

A housewife tires of her husband's annoying behavior and returns to her mother. At first, the husband is quite pleased to have the house all to himself. But he quickly discovers that even the most basic domestic chores can be fraught with difficulty.

1908

The Guerrilla

The Guerrilla 1908

3.00

Mack Sennett appears as a Confederate soldier and a Union soldier in this film produced by the Biograph Company.

1908

Fun With the Bridal Party

Fun With the Bridal Party 1908

1

Two pranksters, finding out that a couple is about to apply for a marriage license at the town mayor's office, sneak into the office to pull a practical joke. First they rig up the furniture with string; then they hide in the room, inside some big boxes they put in place of the mayor's desk. When the bridal party arrives for the license, the pranksters go to work, making the chairs and "desk" move of their own accord, foiling the bride's and groom's attempts to sit and the mayor's attempts to write. Finally, the pranksters appear, disguised under white sheets as ghosts. The bridal party rushes in surprise out of the office as the joke comes to a successful close.

1908

Olympic Games

Olympic Games 1908

1

During the recent Olympic games, held in the city of Loudon. Pathe was granted sole rights to take pictures for the cinematograph of the national games, and the success with which they met in obtaining a clear view of the principal events can easily be judged by those who are fortunate enough to see this film. The first picture shows the grand stand, crowded to its capacity with thousands of enthusiastic fans. In the royal box is the King and Queen, who appear to take a lively interest in the different events. It is an inspiring scene to see the parade of athletes at the opening of the games as each country represented marches by the reviewing stand flying their national colors and saluting their majesties.

1908

The Tavern Keeper’s Daughter

The Tavern Keeper’s Daughter 1908

3.50

In the lonely wilds of Southern California there stands a rural tavern, kept by an old trapper, who had been widowed years ago; his wife leaving him a most precious legacy in the being of a pretty daughter.

1908

Whaling Afloat and Ashore

Whaling Afloat and Ashore 1908

6.00

A short documentary about industrial whaling. The surviving footage runs for approximately 12 minutes.

1908